The gluteus minimus is the smallest and deepest of the three gluteal muscles, lying directly beneath the gluteus medius with identical actions but a smaller moment arm. Together with the gluteus medius it forms the abductor-stabiliser complex of the hip, preventing the pelvis from dropping toward the unsupported side during single-leg stance (Trendelenburg mechanism). Its anterior insertion on the greater trochanter gives it a medial rotation component that the posterior gluteus maximus fibres oppose.
| Origin | Outer surface of the ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Anterior surface of the greater trochanter |
| Nerve Supply | Superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1) |
| Blood Supply | Superior gluteal artery |
| Actions | Abduction of the hip; Medial rotation of the hip; Stabilisation of the pelvis during single-leg stance |
|---|
The gluteus minimus and medius work as a unit to stabilise the pelvis in the frontal plane during walking and single-leg activities. Weakness of this unit produces the Trendelenburg gait pattern in which the pelvis drops toward the swing limb rather than being held level.
Gluteus minimus tendinopathy at the greater trochanter is a component of greater trochanteric pain syndrome alongside gluteus medius tendinopathy, and the two are indistinguishable clinically but distinguishable on MRI by the specific tendon involved at the anterior versus lateral facet of the trochanter. Gluteus minimus wasting is an early finding in L5 radiculopathy from an L4-5 disc herniation, detectable on MRI before clinical weakness becomes apparent.
The gluteus minimus is not directly palpable as it lies deep to the gluteus medius, but its contribution to hip abduction resistance can be assessed with the patient side-lying performing resisted hip abduction with the hip in slight internal rotation.
Degenerative overload at the anterior greater trochanter facet producing lateral hip pain that worsens with single-leg stance and lying on the affected side, often co-existing with gluteus medius tendinopathy.
